Laser Resurfacing Using the Sciton System

Dr. Robbins offers the Sciton tunable Erbium laser for superficial, fractional, and deep resurfacing. The Sciton laser is an exceptional laser to correct and reverse the signs of aging skin. As we age, the effects of sun damage and age cause the skin to wrinkle, develop sun spots, and lose texture and tone. A Sciton laser resurfacing procedure at Des Moines Plastic Surgery™ can reverse these effects and restore a younger, healthier appearance to the skin. During a resurfacing procedure, a laser beam is scanned across the treatment area and precisely removes a layer of skin in a predictable and safe manner. The body then replaces the skin with a healthier, more youthful layer of skin. The laser also stimulates new collagen formation which results in a tightening effect to the skin. Treatments can range from shallow, superficial peels to deep resurfacing depending on the degree of aging and skin damage as well as the desired effect.

Superficial Resurfacing with Microlaser Peel®

A Microlaser Peel®at Des Moines Plastic Surgery™ removes a very thin layer of skin to improve fine lines, pigmentation, and improves tone and texture to the skin. The Microlaser Peel® (MLP) can be tailored to your desired affect and amount of downtime. The MLP is performed with the Sciton laser at Des Moines Plastic Surgery™ and requires minimal downtime and you can return to normal activities quickly. The MLP is recommended for pigmentation, fine lines, tone and texture issues. The face, neck, chest, arms, hands, and shoulders can be treated to remove brown spots and improve skin changes due to aging and sun damage.

Below are before and after photos of the Microlaser Peel courtesy of Sciton.

5 months after 1 treatment of a Microlaser Peel
Individual results may vary

7 days after 2nd treatment of Microlaser Peel
Individual results may vary

Fractional Resurfacing with ProFractional Therapy®

ProFractional treatment at Des Moines Plastic Surgery™ treats a fraction of the skin, stimulating new collagen growth and improves skin tone, texture, fine lines, and deeper wrinkles, and the appearance of scars. The fractionated technology results in faster recovery. ProFractional therapy is quick, comfortable and requires little to moderate downtime. Recommended for fine lines and wrinkles, scars, tone and texture.

Deep Resurfacing with Contour TRL®

Contour TRL® (tunable resurfacing laser) treats the entire face and removes fine lines and stubborn deep wrinkles around the mouth and eyes. The tunable feature of the laser allows Dr. Robbins to customize your results based on your desired downtime. No other non-surgical technology corrects the signs of aging as effectively as the Sciton Contour TRL®. Recommended for deep wrinkles, scars, and pigmentation.

What area of the body can be treated?

The face and neck are the most commonly treated areas. In addition to these areas, the chest and hands as well as the arms and shoulder area can be treated. The Sciton laser can also be combined with traditional face lift procedures to correct skin surface issues and to improve the results of the surgical procedure.

What happens during the procedure?

The procedure usually lasts 15-30 minutes and involves cleaning the skin and applying numbing cream to the skin. A computer-guided scanner is used to move the laser beam across the treated areas. Most patients have minimal or no pain because of the numbing cream. For deeper laser treatments, local anesthesia will be administered by Dr. Robbins.

What will I expect after the treatments?

Redness and a sunburn type sensation are typical immediately after the treatment. Dr. Robbins will recommend after care instructions including sun screen, moisturizer and other skin care products to enhance and maintain the results.

How long will it take to recover?

The downtime associated with the MicrolaserPeel is minimal with most patients experiencing mild redness for a day. A series of MLP treatments are typically needed. The benefit of the Sciton MLP at Des Moines Plastic Surgery™ are great results with virtually no downtime. Deeper laser peels will require slightly longer recovery with most patients resuming normal activities and applying makeup in 3-5 days. Deeper laser peels require longer downtime but produce more dramatic results.

Dr. Robbins is the only plastic surgeon in Iowa board certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Laser Surgery, making him uniquely qualified in laser skin resurfacing procedures. At Coachlight Clinic & Spa, we have more laser devices and options then most centers in the Midwest. We also have some of the most experienced aestheticians and skin care experts in Iowa. Your results are of paramount importance to us and we can offer you the most extensive and best options available to correct your skin condition and restore your skin to a healthier, more youthful appearance.